When Kelly Pergolese was a little girl, her scissors migrated from her dolls’ heads to her sister’s—and, a decade ago, into a career. Her boutique hair and beauty salon, Hair Art, has been open for just a year, but it’s already built a loyal (and rapidly growing) following. Located in the heart of downtown—and right next door to her husband Andre’s barber shop, APX Barber Co.—the salon channels “coastal glam meets modern luxury,” a vibe that feels right at home in Sarasota, where laid-back beachy living is meeting a growing appetite for something a little indulgent.

“From the moment we opened our doors, Sarasota welcomed Hair Art with so much love and support,” Pergolese says. “Our clients have become more than clients; they have become part of our family and the story we’re building here. To have that same community recognize us in this way is something we’ll always be incredibly grateful for.”

See all of our Best of Sarasota 2026 winners here.